This weekend, I went to the Women’s March on Frederick 2.0 to celebrate the anniversary of the first Women’s March following Donald Trump’s inauguration. Over 2,000 people came out to march for justice; joining in solidarity for many different causes. Although women’s rights and equality was the purpose of the march, many issues were put front and center to stand up for other marginalized groups, like immigrants, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. This mix of ideologies made for an extremely diverse group of people who are passionate about things they feel are being swept aside by Trump and the GOP led congress.

My mom was telling me for weeks that over a thousand people were planning on attending the march (according to Facebook), but I was still upset I couldn’t get to the one in D.C. the day before. I have seen pictures from marches last year in cities like D.C., NYC, and even San Francisco, and could only imagine the rush I’d feel from uniting with other men and women for change. When I left the parking garage and headed towards the corners of Market and Patrick St., I knew this would be an experience I’d always remember. I passed a group of people, pink hats on and signs in hand, and I knew I was in the right place. This Frederick, the progressive evolving town I grew up in, brought people of all backgrounds together, spreading peace and positivity throughout the congested city streets.

After gathering on Market St., we marched towards Carroll Creek where we listened to speeches and cheered as a community. One little boy, standing at only four feet tall, lead a cheer. “Show me what democracy looks like,” and to that the crowd replied, “This is what democracy looks like.” Next came, “Women’s rights are human rights,” in which everyone caught on and shouted in unison. Seeing this inspired me and took me back years in history classes where I’d see pictures of children from the civil rights movement. Their signs would read, “Liberty and justice for all” or “no one is free when others are oppressed.” It seems as if the message of our marches has not changed, so subsequently the posters haven’t either. Watching change happen right in front of me and hearing the youth speak out for our rights is the reason I march today, and something I’ll never take for granted as a citizen in the United States of America.

Sources

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